‘It’s attempted murder’: Judicial system slammed for granting bail in violent Longford cases ‘How could you in any conscience let someone like that loose on society again?’

3 comments

1. “There were 1,550 legal aid certs issued every week last year. That was up a hundred certs per week from the year before. And we were in lockdown,”

2. Not against free legal aid but when you have repeat offenders before the courts for serious crimes something has to be done with the judiciary who refuse to jail them. A review system needs to be put in place see if their fit to carry out their duties.

3. Presumption of innocence, which everyone accused of a crime has. Unless guards can *prove* someone is a danger (ideally an injured party in court to give direct evidence or failing that detailed evidence of breaching bail conditions or offences committed while on bail. Guards rarely have either in my experience) then bail is likely to be granted.

   Even if the local judge straight up refuses someone bail, they would be very likely to get bail on application to the high court. Usually if they stump a few hundred quid in cash or get someone to act as surety or combo of both.

   His comment about legal aid being a scam is a bit puzzling too. What part is a scam? they are being paid by state to act on behalf of an accused who can’t afford private representation. Its up to guards to object to legal aid being granted, but again they would need evidence that accused has means to pay it themselves. Gardai very rarely object to legal aid being granted either.

   Train guards better for court would be my suggestion.